Temperature dependence of the ultraviolet absorption cross section of CF3I

Ultraviolet Absorption Spectrum of Chlorine Peroxide, ClOOCl

The photolysis of chlorine peroxide (ClOOCl) is understood to be a key step in the destruction of polar stratospheric ozone. This study generated and purified ClOOCl in a novel fashion, which resulted in spectra with low impurity levels and high peak absorbances. The ClOOCl was generated by laser photolysis of Cl2 in the presence of ozone, or by photolysis of ozone in the presence of CF2Cl2. The product ClOOCl was collected, along with small amounts of impurities, in a trap at about -125 degrees C. Gas-phase ultraviolet spectra were recorded using a long path cell and spectrograph/diode array detector as the trap was slowly warmed. The spectrum of ClOOCl could be fit with two Gaussian-like expressions, corresponding to two different electronic transitions, having similar energies but different widths. The energies and band strengths of these two transitions compare favorably with previous ab initio calculations. The cross sections of ClOOCl at wavelengths longer than 300 nm are significantly lower than all previous measurements or estimates. These low cross sections in the photolytically active region of the solar spectrum result in a rate of photolysis of ClOOCl in the stratosphere that is much lower than currently recommended. For conditions representative of the polar vortex (solar zenith angle of 86 degrees, 20 km altitude, and O3 and temperature profiles measured in March 2000) calculated photolysis rates are a factor of 6 lower than the current JPL/NASA recommendation. This large discrepancy calls into question the completeness of present atmospheric models of polar ozone depletion.

266 nm photolysis of CF3I and C2F5I studied by diode laser gain FM spectroscopy

Frequency modulated diode laser based absorption at 1.315 microm has been used to measure the Doppler lineshapes of the I((2)P(1/2)-(2)P(3/2)) transition in atomic iodine produced from the 266 nm photolysis of both CF(3)I and C(2)F(5)I. Wavelength resolved laser gain is seen following photolysis as excited iodine atoms ((2)P(1/2)) are produced with a quantum yield close to unity from photolysis of both parent molecules. Time resolved measurements were made and the nascent speed distribution and translational anisotropy parameter, beta were determined. Mean atomic speeds of 800 and 850 ms(-1), which correspond to 83 and 68% of the maximum possible kinetic energy release into the iodine photofragment, were determined for photolysis of CF(3)I and C(2)F(5)I, respectively. The nascent translational anisotropy parameter was found to be beta = 1.77 +/- 0.05 for CF(3)I and beta = 1.69 +/- 0.05 for C(2)F(5)I. These values are explicable in terms of parent rotational motion and non-adiabatic processes in the exit channel.